Inlet nozzle for a radial, diagonal or axial fan and radial, diagonal or axial fan with inlet nozzle

Abstract

An inlet nozzle for an axial, radial, or diagonal fan, comprising an inlet-side mounting section for attaching the inlet nozzle to a preferably flat mounting component and an annular inlet section with an inlet opening immediately adjoining the mounting section, characterized in that a measure or at least a stiffening element is arranged or formed on the mounting section and / or inlet section which counteracts deformation of the inlet nozzle. The invention further relates to a radial, diagonal, or axial fan with an inlet nozzle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an inlet nozzle for an axial, radial, or diagonal fan, comprising an inlet-side mounting section for attaching the inlet nozzle to a preferably flat mounting component and an annular inlet section with an inlet opening directly adjoining the mounting section. The invention further relates to a radial, diagonal, or axial fan with an inlet nozzle.

[0002] Inlet nozzles of the type in question have been known in practice for years. Reference is made, by way of example, to DE 10 2015 207 948 A1 and US 10,550,856 B2.

[0003] These inlet nozzles are arranged on the intake side of an axial, radial, or diagonal fan. The inlet nozzle is designed to channel the ambient air into an airflow. For this purpose, the inlet nozzle has an annular inlet section in cross-section. The inlet nozzle is intended to deliver the airflow, drawn in by the fan, to the rotating fan impeller with as little turbulence and loss as possible.

[0004] Inlet nozzles of the type in question are mounted directly onto a customer-supplied component, in particular a housing, device, or mounting wall. For example, the inlet nozzle has a flat mounting section that transitions directly into the inlet section and directs the intake airflow towards the axial, radial, or diagonal fan. This mounting section, like the inlet section itself, is typically made of thin sheet metal or plastic material, so that the inlet nozzle has the lowest possible weight.

[0005] However, there is a possibility that, due to the positioning of the inlet nozzle on a customer-supplied component, the nozzle's own weight or the weight of the axial, radial, or diagonal fan may deform over time. Furthermore, warping of the flat mounting section may occur during the manufacturing process, for example, due to uneven cooling. This results in reduced dimensional accuracy and compatibility with the customer-supplied component.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of designing and further developing a generic inlet nozzle and an axial, radial, or diagonal fan with a corresponding inlet nozzle of the type mentioned above in such a way that, while simultaneously saving material and / or reducing weight, they exhibit a lower or at least comparable susceptibility to deformation than conventional inlet nozzles. Furthermore, the inlet nozzle and the axial, radial, or diagonal fan should enable simpler and faster assembly and differ from competing products.

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved with respect to the inlet nozzle according to the invention by the features of claim 1. According to this claim, the inlet nozzle in question for an axial, radial, or diagonal fan comprises an inlet-side mounting section for attaching the inlet nozzle to a preferably planar mounting component and an annular inlet section with an inlet opening directly adjoining the mounting section. A measure or at least a stiffening element is arranged or formed on the mounting section and / or on the inlet section, which counteracts deformation of the inlet nozzle.

[0008] With regard to the axial, radial, or diagonal fan, the aforementioned problem is solved by the features of dependent claim 10. According to this claim, the radial, diagonal, or axial fan in question comprises a rotary-driven impeller for generating an airflow and an intake-side inlet nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0009] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that the aforementioned problem is solved by a surprisingly simple yet clever design of the inlet nozzle.

[0010] Specifically, a measure or at least a stiffening element is arranged or formed on the fastening section and / or on the inlet section of the inlet nozzle, which counteracts deformation of the inlet nozzle due to stresses in the component.

[0011] One of the advantages achieved is that no deformation occurs at the inlet nozzle, and especially at the mounting part. This results in increased dimensional accuracy of the nozzle, allowing for a better connection to the attached component. Furthermore, the measure, or at least one stiffening element, enables at least a partial, preferably a complete, reduction in the wall thickness of the inlet nozzle.

[0012] Consequently, the inlet nozzle according to the invention provides a generic inlet nozzle as well as an axial, radial, or diagonal fan with a corresponding mounting nozzle, which is suitable for exhibiting a lower or at least comparable susceptibility to deformation than conventional inlet nozzles, while simultaneously saving material and / or reducing weight. Furthermore, the inlet nozzle and the axial, radial, or diagonal fan enable simpler and faster assembly and differ from competing products.

[0013] It should be noted here that the term "measure" is to be understood in the broadest sense. A measure represents a directed action intended to achieve a specific result or a particular state. With regard to the invention, the measure therefore represents a targeted optimization of the shape and / or surface of a body in order to reduce or counteract thermal or mechanical stresses that lead to deformation, primarily distortion, of the body. Measures are, in particular, a directed optimization of the mechanical properties by adapting the geometry and / or structure of a component, especially a component surface, in order to distribute a static or dynamic load essentially uniformly and to reduce local overloading. Thus, examples of measures include groove-shaped depressions, especially beads, or bulges.

[0014] It should also be noted that the term "stiffening element" is to be understood in the broadest sense. A stiffening element is a component that is integrated into or attached to a structural element to increase its structural stiffness. Stiffening elements include, in particular, ribs, reinforcing profiles, cross / diagonal braces, and / or stiffening plates.

[0015] The term "stress" is also to be understood in its broadest sense. It includes both mechanical stresses, such as tensile, compressive, bending, and torsional stresses, as well as thermal stresses. Mechanical stress can be caused by internal and / or external forces. External forces primarily include acting gravitational forces, especially those caused by the weight of an axial, radial, or diagonal fan, and / or centrifugal / centripetal forces resulting from the rotational movement of the impeller of an axial, radial, or diagonal fan. Thermal stresses arise from local temperature differences and / or from differing expansion rates of the material. Temperature differences occur particularly during and / or immediately after the manufacturing process or can be present during use of the component due to the presence of local hotspots.

[0016] The term "attachment component" generally describes a surface that provides a spatial separation between the intake side of the fan and its exhaust side. An attachment component within the meaning of the invention is, for example, a sheet metal part or a housing, device, or mounting wall.

[0017] Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention are described below or become apparent therein. Further developments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stiffening element is designed in the form of at least one rib. A rib is understood to be an elongated, web-like structure, preferably extending perpendicularly from a surface of the inlet nozzle. The rib has an elongated extent and is preferably rectangular in cross-section. Alternatively, or in sections, the rib can have any other cross-sectional profile, primarily a semicircular and / or triangular profile. One of the advantages achieved by this is that a load distribution can occur across the walls of the rib along its axial extent. Thus, locally occurring stresses in the inlet nozzle can be distributed over a surface and thereby reduced.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rib is arranged in the form of a honeycomb structure at the inlet nozzle. A honeycomb structure is an arrangement of a plurality of interconnected ribs in a regular, preferably hexagonal, shape, thereby forming a plurality of individual cells. Alternatively or additionally, the cells have a rectangular and / or round shape. One of the advantages achieved is that the honeycomb structure, due to its arrangement in a regular shape, can distribute stresses in multiple directions. Accordingly, higher bending and torsional strength is achieved.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the measure or stiffening element is arranged or formed at least partially, preferably completely, on or within an outer surface of the mounting section and / or the inlet section facing away from the flow side of the inlet nozzle. The flow-side surface remains unaffected by the measure or stiffening element, thus preventing or at least reducing flow separation in the area of ​​the inlet nozzle. One of the advantages achieved thereby is an improvement in efficiency as well as a reduction in vibrations and flow noise.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the measure or stiffening element is at least partially, preferably completely, arranged or formed on or in an outer surface of the fastening section and / or the inlet section facing the flow side of the inlet nozzle.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one mounting opening, in particular a through hole and / or blind hole, preferably with an internal thread, is provided on the mounting section for attaching the inlet nozzle to a mounting component. Alternatively or additionally, at least one insert component, preferably a threaded bushing, is received in the mounting opening. Alternatively or additionally, an axially extending, circumferential wall of the mounting opening has at least partially, preferably completely, a substantially smooth surface. Preferably, at least one fastening element, in particular a screw, a rivet, a bolt, and / or a pin, engages in the mounting opening. The fastening element is at least partially, preferably completely, made of plastic or metal or a combination of the two materials.One of the advantages achieved is that the inlet nozzle can be attached directly to a component using simple means and / or without an additional mounting device. The assembly complexity is reduced and can therefore be manufactured more cost-effectively.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a surface of the mounting section facing the flow side of the inlet nozzle is at least partially, preferably completely, designed as a substantially flat plane. One of the advantages achieved thereby is that the arrangement of the mounting nozzle on a flat attachment, in particular a sheet metal part or a housing, device, or mounting wall, is simplified and consequently more cost-effective.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet section has a radius of curvature and tapers in diameter in the direction of flow. This achieves a continuous, streamlined guidance of the air into the inlet section, which prevents or at least reduces flow separation in a transition area between the mounting section and the inlet section. One of the advantages achieved is an improvement in efficiency as well as a reduction in vibrations and flow noise.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet nozzle is made of metal, in particular sheet metal, plastic, composite materials, or a combination of these materials. One of the advantages achieved is simple and cost-effective manufacturing.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet nozzle is manufactured in one piece, in particular by an injection molding process or an additive manufacturing process. One of the advantages achieved thereby is simple and cost-effective production.

[0027] There are now various ways to advantageously elaborate and further develop the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference should be made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows Fig. 1 in a perspective view the back of an inlet nozzle according to the invention with honeycomb structure, Fig. 2 a front view of the inlet nozzle according to the invention Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a rear view of the inlet nozzle according to the invention Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a side view of the inlet nozzle according to the invention Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 in a perspective view the front of an axial fan according to the invention with inlet nozzle, and Fig. 6 in a perspective view the rear view of the axial fan according to the invention Fig. 5.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the rear side of an embodiment of an inlet nozzle 1 according to the invention. The inlet nozzle 1 comprises a mounting section 2 to which an annular inlet section 3 is directly attached. The inlet section 3 has a curved surface 4 in the transition region to the mounting section 2 and an annular inlet opening 5 at its free end. The curved surface 4 is formed in the inlet section 3 by a radius of curvature, whereby the inlet section 3 tapers in the transition region from the mounting section 2 in the direction of airflow 8 to the diameter of the inlet opening 5. Outside the transition region, the diameter of the inlet section 3 is constant. The mounting section 2 has a square contour and includes a circumferential flange 6 on the outer edge of the mounting section 2 on the side facing away from the inlet side.Furthermore, mounting openings 7 in the form of through-holes are provided on the outer edge of mounting section 2 for attaching the inlet nozzle 1 to a mounting component. In addition, mounting section 2 has mounting openings 9 in the form of through-holes with internal threads for attaching an axial, radial, or diagonal fan.

[0029] A stiffening element 10 is arranged on the flat surface of the mounting section 2. The stiffening element 10 comprises a plurality of interconnected ribs in a regular, preferably hexagonal, shape, thereby forming a honeycomb structure 11. Due to its arrangement, the honeycomb structure 11 distributes stresses occurring in the inlet nozzle 1 in several directions. Accordingly, higher bending and torsional strength is achieved.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows the inlet nozzle according to the invention. Fig. 1 in the front view. In detail shows Fig. 2 the inlet nozzle 1 with the mounting section 2, which is designed as a substantially flat surface on the inlet side.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows the inlet nozzle according to the invention. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the rear view.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows the inlet nozzle according to the invention. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 in side view.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the front of an axial fan 12 with an inlet nozzle 1 according to the invention. The axial fan 12 comprises an inlet nozzle 1. The inlet nozzle 1 has a mounting section 2 and an inlet section 3 with an inlet opening 5 immediately adjoining it. The motor 13 is arranged centrally in the inlet opening. On the inlet side, the motor 13 has a motor cover 14 with a plurality of anchor points 15, to which a retaining bracket 17 for mounting the motor 13 on the inlet nozzle 1 is provided via fastening means 16 in the form of screws. The retaining bracket is fastened via fastening means 18 in the form of screws that engage in mounting openings 9 of the mounting section 2. In addition, an impeller 19 with a plurality of blades 20 is arranged on the motor 13.Between retaining bracket 13 and mounting section 2, a flow-permeable protective cover in the form of a grid 21 is arranged on the inlet side in the area of ​​the inlet opening 5. The mounting section 2 is designed as a substantially flat surface and has a square contour.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows the axial fan 12 according to the invention with inlet nozzle 1 as shown in Figure 5 in a perspective rear view. Figure 5 shows the details. Fig.6 the axial fan 12 with a motor 13 arranged centrally in the inlet nozzle 1, which includes an impeller 19. The inlet nozzle comprises a mounting section 2 and an inlet section 3 immediately adjoining the mounting section 2. On the surface of the mounting section 2 facing away from the inlet side, a stiffening element 10 in the form of a plurality of ribs is formed. The ribs have a honeycomb structure 11. In addition, the mounting section 2 includes a circumferential flange 6 at its outer edge.

[0035] Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the inlet nozzle and the axial, radial or diagonal fan according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims to avoid repetition.

[0036] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the inlet nozzle and the axial, radial or diagonal fan according to the invention described above serve only to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 inlet nozzle 2 Mounting section 3 Inlet section 4. Transition area, curved surface 5 Inlet opening 6 Circumferential chamfer 7 Mounting opening, through hole 8 Direction of airflow (arrow) 9 Mounting opening 10 stiffening element 11 honeycomb structure 12 axial fan, fan 13 Engine 14 Engine cover 15 Anchor point 16 Fasteners, screws 17 retaining brackets 18 Fasteners, screws 19 wheel 20 wings 21 Protective cover, grille QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 207 948 A1

[0002] US 10,550,856 B2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Inlet nozzle (1) for an axial, radial or diagonal fan (12), comprising an inlet-side mounting section (2) for arranging the inlet nozzle (1) on a preferably planar attachment part and an annular inlet section (3) with an inlet opening (5) immediately adjoining the mounting section (2), characterized by , that a measure or at least a stiffening element (10) is arranged or formed on the fastening section (2) and / or on the inlet section (3) which counteracts a deformation of the inlet nozzle (1). [2] Inlet nozzle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the stiffening element (10) is formed in the form of at least one rib. [3] Inlet nozzle (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the rib is arranged in the form of a honeycomb structure (11) at the inlet nozzle (1). [4] Inlet nozzle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the measure or stiffening element (10) is arranged or formed at least partially, preferably completely, on or in an outer surface of the fastening section (1) and / or the inlet section (3) facing away from the flow side of the inlet nozzle (1). [5] Inlet nozzle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that at least one fastening opening (2), in particular a through hole, preferably with internal thread, is provided on the fastening section (2) for arranging the inlet nozzle (1) on an attachment part. [6] Inlet nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that a surface of the fastening section (2) facing the flow side of the inlet nozzle (1) is formed at least partially, preferably completely, as a substantially flat plane. [7] Inlet nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the inflow section (3) has a radius of curvature and tapers in diameter in the direction of flow (8). [8] Inlet nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the inlet nozzle is made of metal, in particular sheet metal, plastic, composite materials or a combination of materials. [9] Inlet nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the inlet nozzle is manufactured in one piece, in particular by an injection molding process or additive manufacturing process. [10] Axial, radial or diagonal fan (12) with a rotary-driven impeller (19) for generating an airflow and an intake-side inlet nozzle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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